I’m writing in response to the article titled, “Man loses clothes to aliens in battle” that appeared on the front page of The Courier on Friday, March 8, 2013, written by Mr. Howard West.

I’m fairly sure many, including myself, were instantly drawn to the heading of this story with curiosity.

Once again, I’m fairly sure that by the completion of the article much laughter ensued, and the story was repeated over and over by the proverbially water cooler and other gatherings throughout the day, and maybe into the weekend.

Hands down Mr. West is a talented, comedic writer; however, a compassionate and medically versed writer he is not.

I will not acknowledge the many comments he made in reference to the individual he so graphically described in this degrading article.

Suffice to say the article was inappropriate, as well as your approval to run the article.

The true intent of this letter is to educate Mr. West, yourself, and your readership on the stigma of mental illness.

Mental illness is not a “new” thing but it is one thing that has been consistently ignored, from year to year.

The need for education and training is needed. There are a lot of stigmas around mental health and it can be difficult for people to accept that a mental illness is an illness.

Training on mental illness is available right here in The River Valley. It’s called Mental Health First Aid (MHFA).

MHFA is an internationally-recognized training program designed to equip laypeople with tools to recognize and respond to people who may be in an emotional crisis and connect them to help. It is also valuable for law enforcement and EMS personnel.

President Barack Obama recommended MHFA training for teachers and school staff members across the nation during his recent address after Newtown.

Participants learn how to provide the initial help to someone showing symptoms of mental illness or in a mental health crisis until appropriate professional help can be engaged.

The training is open to educators, school administrators, human resources professionals, faith communities, policymakers, primary health care providers, first responders, police and firefighters, security personnel, family members and caring community residents.

As a nationally certified instructor of MHFA I am prepared to lead an effort as part of an international coalition to promote and conduct MHFA training.

I also welcome the opportunity to meet with Mr. West and provide him with information on how mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of, but stigma and bias shame us all.